OH, MY DARLING, knock three times on the ceiling if you want me, twice on the pipes if the answer is no…
If you were a teen of the 70s, like me, you may remember that popular song by Tony Orlando and Dawn. I always connect “Knock Three Times” to a slumber party in the basement of my friend Marla’s house. Don’t ask because I really don’t remember details. I assume we were pounding the ceiling and/or pipes as that tune rocked out on the radio.
The other night it was my husband knocking thrice on the ceiling or pipes as he signaled for me to head to the basement with my camera. He had just finished vacuuming around the non-operating water heater and was ready for me to photograph him in handyman action. His idea, not mine.
So my Canon and I rocked our way down the basement stairs while I belted out the only line I remember from “Knock Three Times.”
Tools and light are in place to replace the thermocouple on the water heater.
Once inside the cramped utility room, I wondered how the heck I was going to photograph anything except Randy’s behind as he crouched low to the floor to replace the thermocouple on our just shy of six years old water heater. As you can see, I didn’t manage to snap much in the deep dark depths.
But what I gained was hot water again and the reassurance that my spouse is capable of repairing nearly anything in our house.
I hate this brown sink. But, hey, at least I have hot water again flowing from my leaky faucet.
Say, about that hole in the dining room wall and the leaky kitchen faucet and the…
Oops, I nearly forgot to tell you this, and it’s an important part of the story. We bought our water heater in March 2007 at our local Faribault Ace Hardware. When Randy stopped by after work to inquire about the warranty replacement part, the helpful Ace guy found the right piece and then told Randy to bring in the defective part and he’d get his money back. He didn’t even ask for a proof of purchase from six years ago. How’s that for great customer service?
We agreed that we likely would not have experienced the same ease in acquiring a replacement part under warranty had we purchased our water heater at an out-of-town Big Box retailer. Excellent customer service is the main reason we shop local as much as possible.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED similar outstanding customer service at a family-owned business? Let’s hear.
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
“I’m thinking. I’m thinking.”
Oh, my, this is not good. Not the thinking part, but that you HAVE to think about my question.
It sure isn’t Hickory Tech. You don’t have them there do you?
My childhood in Two Harbors was full of such people. Are there any family-owned businesses here? Dave Mutch has interesting service which I never had to put to the test. Michaels I have twice put to the test on problem products and they without a second of hesitation or asking for the slip replaced it once and refunded money once. But not local of course.
Ah, yes, Faribault does have Hickory Tech, but that company is not my provider.
Big Box retailers can provide good customer service, too, but generally that is not the norm.
Burkhartzmeyer Shoes in Faribault is another example of a home-grown business (third-generation) which offers the BEST customer service. Shop for shoes there and you’ll have your feet measured and most certainly will get the proper fit. The shoebox will be tied with cotton string and a sucker added, if you want one. Burkhartzmeyer also has a shoe repair shop. Bonus: The current and previous owners and the employees all have hearts of gold.
Yes, our local True Value is awesome! Also, the local grocery (Root River Market–a locally owned coop, of which we are members) and, of course, River Valley Convenience Store/Gas (which #2 son & wife own). Our little town values such local entities as evidenced by the fact that once the transfer of ownership was completed on the gas station purchase, our son reported a huge jump in receipts and the comment that people had switched from the ‘BP’ gas station to theirs because of local ownership…..yay!!!!
Yes, so good to read of all the great customer service in your Houston, Minnesota, community. I especially appreciate the personal story you shared about River Valley Convenience Store/Gas. Such strong local support is refreshing to see.
The “kids” found this to be very encouraging, also, and this has been an ongoing positive experience!
Fantastic. That means “the kids” are running their business right, sustaining their customer base because of great customer service and more. Kudos to them.
Lets hear it for our DIY guys, whoop whoop! Good old Ace Hardware, we on occasion visit them here in Rochester, but for convenience sake, Menards is only about a mile from our house, so that’s usually where we head for our quick fix’s. A couple years ago we went to Ace to buy our grill, it was assembled and delivered same day, The guy who put it together also was the one who delivered it to us in his own truck…..after he was done with his shift….Now that’s what I call service 🙂
Wow, I’m impressed. That’s a great shout-out for the fantastic customer service at Ace Hardware in Rochester. Thanks for sharing, Jackie.
Isn’t it good being married to a handy-man! My husband is good at all sorts of handy-man type things and you’ve inspired me to take photos of him when he’s in action! xx
Yes, Randy really is good at fixing. At his paying job, he’s an automotive machinist, which makes lots of customers happy since he can fix their vehicles, recreational toys, etc. As you can see, though, I did not manage any photos of Randy at work. Our basement utility room is just too dark and cramped for that. I could not manage to squeeze into a spot to properly photograph him.
A handy husband is a thing of beauty.
Totally agree.